Apparatus and method for information processing and program

ABSTRACT

An information processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire restriction information about imaging functions from an imaging device connected to a network, a setting control unit configured to display a setting window in which after a parameter for one imaging function is selected, selectable parameters for other imaging functions are restricted in accordance with the selected parameter on the basis of the restriction information so that the imaging functions to be used are selected, and an information processing unit configured to acquire image information about an image captured using the selected imaging functions via the network.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus andmethod for acquiring image information from an imaging device via anetwork and a program.

2. Description of the Related Art

New surveillance camera systems using Internet Protocol (IP)transmission have been commercially manufactured, so that large-scalesystems can be constructed. As for a compression method (codec) upon IPtransmission, for example, the JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)method and the MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) method are used inmost cases. The JPEG and MPEG methods are generally used in fields otherthan that of surveillance cameras. The JPEG method is effective in caseswhere a large number of surveillance cameras result in a lower framerate. The MPEG method is effective in cases where a user wants to view amoving image even when an image resolution is decreased.

Software installed in a recorder has been changed and released every newcamera release. Updating the software permits a new camera to beregistered and set in the recorder.

FIG. 18 is a diagram explaining a method of registering and setting acamera in a related-art camera system. A camera 500 holds deviceinformation about itself in a storage unit 501. A recorder 600 holdsinformation blocks 603 a and 603 b about functions of a known camera.The recorder 600 can additionally store information about a function ofthe known camera by changing software. The information about thefunctions of the camera contains the following items:

-   Functions supported by the camera;-   List of parameters necessary for setting each function and set    ranges for the parameters; and-   Restrictions on the individual functions.

Each time another new camera 500 is released, the recorder 600additionally stores information specific to the new device. To use thecamera 500 and the recorder 600 such that the camera 500 is connected tothe recorder 600 over a network, the camera 500 has to be firstregistered in the recorder 600. At that time, the recorder 600 acquiresdevice information indicating, for example, the model name from thecamera 500 using, for instance, a common gateway interface (CGI)command. The recorder 600 then refers to the information blocks 603 aand 603 b about the functions of the camera on the basis of the devicename, thereby constructing registration information concerning thecamera 500. Specifically, restriction information blocks 604 a and 604 babout restrictions on the individual functions and ranges of set valuesfor the respective functions are set on the basis of the deviceinformation and the information blocks 603 a and 603 b about therespective functions of the camera. Thus, a function a 602 a and afunction b 602 b can be realized.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication Nos. 2008-15566 and2008-48243 disclose related-art surveillance camera systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a related-art method of registering and setting a camera,each time a new camera is released, it is necessary to update softwareand additionally store information about the new camera on a recorder.Accordingly, fears are rising that the storage capacity of the recorderhas to be increased.

In addition, it is difficult for the recorder to control an unknowncamera. If the user manually registers the unknown camera into therecorder, the user has to set functions supported by the camera and aset range for each parameter in consideration of details of therespective functions and the set ranges of values.

The present invention has been proposed in consideration of theabove-described circumstances. It is desirable to provide an informationprocessing apparatus and method capable of easily using an unknownimaging device and a program.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an informationprocessing apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to acquirerestriction information about imaging functions from an imaging deviceconnected to a network, a setting control unit configured to display asetting window in which after a parameter for one imaging function isselected, selectable parameters for other imaging functions arerestricted in accordance with the selected parameter on the basis of therestriction information so that the imaging functions to be used areselected, and an information processing unit configured to acquire imageinformation about an image captured using the selected imaging functionsvia the network.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method forinformation processing includes the steps of: acquiring restrictioninformation about imaging functions from an imaging device connected toa network, displaying a setting window in which after a parameter forone imaging function is selected, selectable parameters for otherimaging functions are restricted in accordance with the selectedparameter on the basis of the restriction information so that theimaging functions to be used are selected, and acquiring imageinformation about an image captured using the selected imaging functionsvia the network.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a programallows a computer to perform acquiring restriction information aboutimaging functions from an imaging device connected to a network,displaying a setting window in which after a parameter for one imagingfunction is selected, selectable parameters for other imaging functionsare restricted in accordance with the selected parameter on the basis ofthe restriction information so that the imaging functions to be used areselected, and acquiring image information about an image captured usingthe selected imaging functions via the network.

According to any of the embodiments of the present invention, thesetting window in which after a parameter for one imaging function isselected, selectable parameters for other imaging functions arerestricted in accordance with the selected parameter on the basis of therestriction information about the imaging functions acquired via thenetwork is displayed. Thus, a user operation for setting an unknownimaging device can be simplified, so that the unknown imaging device canbe easily used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary structure of asurveillance camera system according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary configuration of asurveillance camera;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of arecorder;

FIG. 4 is a diagram explaining a method of registering and setting acamera in the surveillance camera system;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for registeringa camera;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a registration window;

FIG. 7 illustrates another example of the registration window;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for settingcamera functions;

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a camera setting window;

FIG. 10 illustrates another example of the camera setting window;

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a camera function selection window;

FIG. 12 illustrates another example of the camera function selectionwindow;

FIG. 13 illustrates another example of the camera function selectionwindow;

FIG. 14 illustrates another example of the camera function selectionwindow;

FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a device setting management window;

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary structure of asurveillance camera system according to another embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a computer;and

FIG. 18 is a diagram explaining a method of registering and setting acamera in a related-art camera system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail belowwith reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary structure of a surveillance camerasystem. The surveillance camera system includes a plurality ofsurveillance cameras 2 connected to a network 1, a recorder 3, and acomputer 4. The recorder 3 monitors, records, and plays video images andsounds captured by the surveillance cameras 2 through the network. Onthe computer 4, application software for remote-controlling operationssimilar to those by the recorder through the network 1 is installed.

When such a surveillance camera system utilizes, for example, the IP,the system can be constructed on a large scale such that the recorder 3is disposed in a machine room and the computer 4 is placed in amonitoring room.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration ofeach surveillance camera 2. The surveillance camera 2 includes a videodata generating unit 21, an imaging-operation changing unit 22, and ametadata generating unit 23. The video data generating unit 21 includesa lens section 211, an imaging section 212, a video signal processingsection 213, and a data processing section 214.

The imaging section 212 photoelectrically converts light correspondingto an image formed on an imager (not illustrated) through the lenssection 211 to generate a video signal Sv.

The video signal processing section 213 performs various signalprocessing operations on the video signal Sv supplied from the imagingsection 212 to generate video data Dv. For example, the signalprocessing section 213 performs knee correction in which the level ofthe video signal Sv is at or above a predetermined value, the signal iscompressed, γ correction in which the level of the video signal Sv iscorrected in accordance with a set γ curve, and white-clip processing orblack-clip processing in which the signal level of the video signal Svis restricted within a predetermined range.

The data processing section 214 performs coding on the video data Dv inorder to reduce the amount of data upon communication with the recorder3 and the computer 4, thus generating video data Dt.

The imaging-operation changing unit 22 changes an operation of eachsurveillance camera 2 in accordance with a change instruction signal CAsupplied from the recorder 3 or the computer 4 so as to capture anoptimum video image. In addition, the imaging-operation changing unit 22performs various processes, for example, shifting the imaging directionof the imaging section 212, supplying a control signal CMa to the lenssection 211 so that the zoom ratio or the diameter of the iris diaphragmis changed, supplying a control signal CMb to the imaging section 212and the signal processing section 213 so that the frame rate of capturedvideo images is changed, and supplying a control signal CMc to the dataprocessing section 214 so that the compression ratio of video data ischanged.

The metadata generating unit 23 generates metadata Dm includinginformation about a surveillance target. When the surveillance target isa moving object, the metadata generating unit 23 detects a moving objectusing the video data Dv generated by the video data generating unit 21,generates moving-object detection information indicating whether themoving object is detected and moving-object position informationindicating the position of the detected moving object, and includesthese information items as object information items in the metadata.Unique IDs are assigned to detected objects, respectively.

Metadata generated in each surveillance camera will now be described.The metadata is attribute information related to video data captured bythe imaging section 212 in the surveillance camera 2 and includes thefollowing items:

-   Object information (e.g., the ID, coordinates, and size of a moving    object detected by the surveillance camera);-   Capture time data and orientation information (pan, tilt) of the    surveillance camera;-   Position information of the surveillance camera; and-   Signature information of captured image.

The “object information” is obtained by expanding information describedas binary data in the metadata into a meaningful data structure.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of therecorder 3. The recorder 3 includes a network connecting unit 101, avideo buffer unit 102, a metadata buffer unit 103, a filter settingdatabase (DB) 107, a metadata filter unit 106, a rule changing unit 108,a video data storage database (DB) 104, a metadata storage database (DB)105, a display unit 111, a video data processing unit 109, a metadataprocessing unit 110, and a reproduction synchronizing unit 112. Thenetwork connecting unit 101 performs data transmission with eachsurveillance camera 2. The video buffer unit 102 acquires video datafrom the surveillance camera 2. The metadata buffer unit 103 acquiresmetadata from the surveillance camera 2. The filter setting database 107stores filter setting based on filtering. The metadata filter unit 106functions as a filter unit for filtering metadata. The rule changingunit 108 sends information indicative of setting change to thesurveillance camera 2. The video data storage database 104 stores videodata. The metadata storage database 105 stores metadata. The displayunit 111 displays video data and metadata. The video data processingunit 109 performs processing for reproducing video data on the displayunit 111. The metadata processing unit 110 performs processing forreproducing metadata on the display unit 111. The reproductionsynchronizing unit 112 synchronizes the reproduction of metadata withthat of video data.

The video buffer unit 102 acquires video data from the surveillancecamera 2 and decodes the video data which is encoded. The video bufferunit 102 holds the resultant video data and sequentially supplies thevideo data to the display unit 111. The video buffer unit 102furthermore stores the held video data in the video data storagedatabase 104 in response to a recording request signal supplied from therule changing unit 108.

The metadata buffer unit 103 holds metadata acquired from thesurveillance camera 2 and sequentially supplies the metadata to thedisplay unit 111. The metadata buffer unit 103 furthermore supplies themetadata to the display unit 111 synchronously with the correspondingvideo data. In addition, the metadata buffer unit 103 stores themetadata acquired from the surveillance camera 2 in the metadata storagedatabase 105.

The filter setting database 107 stores the filter setting based onfiltering by the metadata filter unit 106 and also supplies the filtersetting to the metadata filter unit 106. In the filter setting, acriterion for determining whether alarm information has to be output orwhether the imaging operation of the surveillance camera 2 has to bechanged is set for each information item about a surveillance targetincluded in metadata. The metadata is subjected to filtering using thefilter setting, so that the result of filtering can be obtained for eachinformation item about the surveillance target. The result of filteringdescribes the necessity of outputting alarm information or the necessityof changing the imaging operation of the surveillance camera 2.

The metadata filter unit 106 performs filtering on metadata using thefilter setting stored in the filter setting database 107 to determinewhether to generate an alarm. The metadata filter unit 106 performsfiltering on metadata acquired by the metadata buffer unit 103 ormetadata supplied from the metadata storage database 105 and notifiesthe rule changing unit 108 of the result of filtering.

Metadata filters mean criteria for determining whether to generate alarminformation on the basis of object information. The alarm information isinformation subjected to filtering on the basis of the objectinformation expanded from metadata. The alarm information is obtained byanalyzing metadata items included in a plurality of frames to derive thevelocity of a moving object from a change in the position of the movingobject or determine whether the moving object is beyond a certain line,or performing multiple analysis on the metadata items to derive thevelocity of the moving object and make such a determination.

As for the kinds of filters, for example, there are seven filters asfollows. Any of the filters can be selected.

-   Appearance: the filter used to determine whether an object exists in    a certain area.-   Disappearance: the filter used to determine whether the object which    has appeared in a certain area is out of the area.-   Passing: the filter used to determine whether the object is beyond a    certain boundary.-   Capacity (limit on the number of objects): the filter used to count    the number of objects in a certain area and determine whether the    total number of objects exceeds a predetermined value.-   Loitering: the filter used to determine whether an object is    loitering in a certain area for a time period longer than a    predetermined time period.-   Unattended: the filter used to determine whether there is an object    which has entered a certain area and does not move for a time period    longer than a predetermined time period.-   Removed: the filter used to detect the removal of an object in a    certain area.

The rule changing unit 108 generates a change instruction signal on thebasis of the result of filtering notified by the metadata filter unit106 to notify the surveillance camera 2 of shifting the imagingdirection. For example, the rule changing unit 108 outputs aninstruction to change the operation of the surveillance camera 2 inorder to obtain a surveillance video image suitable for surveillance onthe basis of the result of filtering obtained by the metadata filterunit 106. In addition, the rule changing unit 108 supplies a recordingrequest signal to the video data storage database 104 on the basis ofthe result of filtering and stores video data acquired by the videobuffer unit 102 in the video data storage database 104.

The video data storage database 104 stores video data acquired by thevideo buffer unit 102. The metadata storage database 105 stores metadataacquired by the metadata buffer unit 103.

The video data processing unit 109 performs processing for allowing thedisplay unit 111 to display an image based on video data stored in thevideo data storage database 104. Specifically, the video data processingunit 109 sequentially reads video data from a reproduction positiondesignated by a user and supplies the read video data to the displayunit 111. In addition, the video data processing unit 109 suppliesinformation indicative of the reproduction position (reproduction time)of the video data which is being reproduced to the reproductionsynchronizing unit 112.

The reproduction synchronizing unit 112 synchronizes the reproduction ofmetadata with that of video data. The reproduction synchronizing unit112 supplies a synchronization control signal to the metadata processingunit 110 so that the reproduction position supplied from the video dataprocessing unit 109 is synchronized with a reproduction position of thecorresponding metadata stored in the metadata storage database 105, thuscontrolling the operation of the metadata processing unit 110.

The metadata processing unit 110 performs processing for allowing thedisplay unit 111 to display metadata stored in the metadata storagedatabase 105. Specifically, the metadata processing unit 110sequentially reads metadata from a reproduction position designated bythe user and supplies the read metadata to the display unit 111. Toreproduce both of video data and metadata, the metadata processing unit110 controls the reproducing operation on the basis of thesynchronization control signal supplied from the reproductionsynchronizing unit 112 and outputs metadata synchronized with video datato the display unit 111.

The display unit 111 displays live video data supplied from the videobuffer unit 102, reproduced video data supplied from the video dataprocessing unit 109, live metadata supplied from the metadata bufferunit 103, and reproduced metadata supplied from the metadata processingunit 110. In addition, the display unit 111 displays (outputs) a videoimage showing the result of surveillance based on the result offiltering in accordance with filter setting supplied from the metadatafilter unit 106 using any of a video image to be monitored, a videoimage of metadata, and a video image of the filter setting, or a videoimage obtained by combining these video images.

The display unit 111 also functions as a graphical user interface (GUI).The user can select a camera setting menu displayed on the display unit111 using an operation key, a mouse, or a remote control to register andset a new camera and can select a filter setting menu to define afilter.

A process for registering and setting a new camera in theabove-described surveillance system will now be described. In thepresent embodiment, a function for replying to an inquiry aboutspecification information is provided for an imaging device. Inaddition, a general-purpose network camera interface in which thecommand protocol between the imaging device and an informationprocessing apparatus is standardized is used.

FIG. 4 is a diagram explaining a method of registering and setting acamera in the surveillance system. The surveillance camera 2 storesspecification information (inq reply tag=val list) in a system storageunit 24, such as an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM) or aflash memory, the specification information including information abouta list of functions and restriction information about restrictions onthe functions. The recorder 3 includes an acquisition unit 31 thatacquires the specification information from the surveillance camera 2, aplurality of functions (functions a to d) 32 a to 32 d related to acodec, an image size, and so forth, and a storage unit 33 that stores atable describing information about general functions (list of functions)of the surveillance camera 2. In this case, the acquisition unit 31corresponds to the network connecting unit 101 and the functions a 32 ato functions d 32 d correspond to the codec function and other functionsin the video data processing unit 109, respectively.

As for description of the specification information, it is preferable toeasily exchange information through the network 1 using a markuplanguage defined in order to describe information exchanged over theWorld Wide Web (WWW). For example, video data and metadata can be easilyexchanged using Extensible Markup Language (XML) used for exchange ofdocuments and electronic data.

To register the surveillance camera 2 connected to the network 1, therecorder 3 acquires specification information, including the followingitems, from the surveillance camera 2 using a CGI command.

-   Model name of the camera and icon data-   List of functions supported by the camera-   List of parameters necessary for setting the functions and set    ranges for the parameters-   Restrictions on the individual functions

The information item about the list of the functions supported by thecamera includes, for example, a moving-image codec, a still-image codec,a moving-image resolution, and a still-image resolution. The informationitem about the restrictions on the individual functions describes that,for example, when a certain function is used, the load on a centralprocessing unit (CPU) of the camera increases, so that another functionis not available. More specifically, this information describes that,for instance, when a certain function is used, the performance (range ofset values) of the camera is restricted such that the upper limit islowered, and when another certain function is used, the performance ofanother function is restricted such that the upper limit is lowered.

The recorder 3 associates each supported function included in theinformation about the general functions of the surveillance camera 2with a range of set values to dynamically construct setting informationunique to the model of the surveillance camera 2. For example, therecorder 3 acquires the information about the list of the functionssupported by the camera, so that the recorder 3 recognizes that thesurveillance camera 2 supports the functions a and b with reference toinformation blocks 34 a and 34 b in FIG. 4. In addition, as will bedescribed later, the recorder 3 acquires a list of the restrictions onthe functions to dynamically construct functional restrictioninformation 35, thus controlling the display of a camera setting window.

Table 1 describes an example of function list information about a listof functions of a camera.

TABLE 1 var Model=“SNC-XXXXX” var GenericCameraVersion=“1.00” varBitmap=“true” var NonVolatilizationLog=“true” var NTP=“true” varTimeZone=“true” var FTPClient=“true” var SMTP=“true” var SolidPTZ=“true”var ExclusivePanTiltZoomFocus=“true” var HoldAutolrisOpen=“true” varImageMemoryList=“builtin” var SensorInNumber=“1” varSensorInModeList=“Make,Break” var AlarmOutNumber=“2” varAlarmDurationRange=“0,300,1” var ImageCodecList=“jpegjpeg-mpeg4,h264”var AlmBufCodecList=“jpegjpeg-mpeg4,h264” var ArcCodecList=“mpeg4” varAreaSelectList=“jpeg,1280” var AreaSelectRange=“1,1280,1,960” varAreaSelectAlignment=“1,1,16,16” varJpImageSizeList=“1280,960,960,720,768,576,640,480,384,288,320,240” varJpQualityRange=“1,10,1” var JpTargetRatioRange=“5,60,1” varJpFrameRateList=“1,2,3,4,5,6,8,10,15,20,25,30” varM4ImageSizeList=“640,480,384,288,320,240” var M4BitrateRange=“64,2048,1”var M4|FrameIntervalRange=“1,900,1” varM4FrameRateList=“5,6,8,10,15,20,25,30” varAudioInCodecList=“g711,g726_40,g726_32,g726_24,g726_16” varAudioInVolumeRange=“−10,10,1” varAudioOutCodecList=“g711,g726_40,g726_32,g726_24,g726_16” varAudioOutVolumeRange=“−10,10,1”  :  : var SoftwareVersion=“1.00” varRevision=“1”

This function list information describes the model name of the camera,information about pan/tilt/zoom, information about a supported imagecodec, and information about a supported audio codec.

Table 2 and Table 3 describe examples of function restrictioninformation.

TABLE 2 <?xml version=“1.0” encoding=“UTF-8” ?>  - <categoriesrevision=“1”>  - <category name=“codec”>   - <groups>    - <group>   -<paramsets>    -<parameter name=“ImageCodec”>    ImageCodec    <valuename=“jpeg-mpeg4” type=“item”>jpeg-mpeg4</value>    <value name=“jpeg”type=“item”>jpeg</value>    </parameter>    - <parametername=“JpImageSize”>    JpImageSize    <value name=“1280,0”type=“item”>1280×960</value>    <value name=“960,0”type=“item”>960×720</value>    <value name=“768,0”type=“item”>768×576</value>    <value name=“640,0”type=“item”>640×480</value>    <value name=“384,0”type=“item”>384×288</value>    <value name=“320,0”type=“item”>320×240</value>    </parameter>    - <parametername=“M4ImageSize”>    M4ImageSize    <value name=“640,0”type=“item”>640×480</value>    <value name=“384,0”type=“item”>384×288</value>    <value name=“320,0”type=“item”>320×240</value>    <value type=“item”>-</value>   </parameter>    - <parameter name=“SolidPTZ”>    SolidPTZ    <valuename=“off” type=“item”>off</value>    <value name=“on”type=“item”>mpeg4</value>    <value name=“on” type=“item”>jpeg</value>   <value name=“on” type=“item”>jpeg-mpeg4</value>    </parameter>    -<parameter name=“PrivacyDispEach”>    PrivacyMasking    <valuename=“1,off,2,off,3,off,4,off,5,off,6,off,7,off”   type=“item”>off</value>    <value type=“item”>mpeg4</value>    <valuetype=“item”>jpeg</value>    <value type=“item”>jpeg-mpeg4</value>   </parameter>    - <parameter name=“LightFunnelMode”>    Light FunnelMode    <value name=“manual” type=“item”>manual</value>    <valuename=“auto” type=“item”>auto</value>    </parameter>    - <parametername=“LightFunnel”>    Light Funnel    <value name=“off”type=“item”>off</value>    <value name=“on” type=“item”>on</value>   <value type=“item”>-</value>    </parameter>    </paramsets>

TABLE 3   - <sets>    - <set>    <item JpImageSize value=“1280×960” />   <item SolidPTZ value=“off” />    <item ImageCodec value=“jpeg-mpeg4”/>    <item PrivacyMasking value=“off” />    <item M4ImageSizevalue=“640×480” />    <item Light Funnel value=“off” />    <item LightFunnel Mode value=“manual” />   </set>    - <set>    <item JpImageSizevalue=“640×480” />    <item SolidPTZ value=“off” />    <item ImageCodecvalue=“jpeg-mpeg4” />    <item PrivacyMasking value=“off” />    <itemM4ImageSize value=“640×480” />    <item Light Funnel value=“off” />   <item Light Funnel Mode value=“manual” />   </set>    - <set>   <item JpImageSize value=“384×288” />    <item SolidPTZ value=“off” />   <item ImageCodec value=“jpeg-mpeg4” />    <item PrivacyMaskingvalue=“off” />    <item M4ImageSize value=“640×480” />    <item LightFunnel value=“off” />    <item Light Funnel Mode value=“manual” />  </set>    - <set>    <item JpImageSize value=“960×720” />    <itemSolidPTZ value=“off” />    <item ImageCodec value=“jpeg” />    <itemPrivacyMasking value=“off” />    <item M4ImageSize value=“-” />    <itemLight Funnel value=“off” />    <item Light Funnel Mode value=“manual” />   </set>    :    :    - <set>    <item JpImageSize value=“320×240” />   <item SolidPTZ value=“off” />    <item ImageCodec value=“jpeg-mpeg4”/>    <item PrivacyMasking value=“jpeg-mpeg4” />    <item M4ImageSizevalue=“320×240” />    <item Light Funnel value=“-” />    <item LightFunnel Mode value=“auto” />    </set>   </sets>   </group>  </group> </groups>  </category> </categories>

This function restriction information includes a plurality of setinformation items each describing settable functions in the camera andthe combination of parameters. For example, all settable combinations ofresolutions and codecs are described in this information. Accordingly,in setting a new camera as will be described below, a combination ofsettable parameters can be presented to the user. In addition, the colorof characters of a selectable parameter in the list can be displayed soas to be different from that of characters of an unselectable parameter.

A concrete example where the surveillance camera 2 is registered and setin the recorder 3 will now be described with reference to windowexamples.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for registeringa camera. In step S11, the recorder 3 displays a device registrationwindow, as shown in FIG. 6, for adding a device.

In step S12, the recorder 3 determines whether the registration ismanually performed. For example, whether the registration is manuallyperformed can be determined on the basis of whether “automatic setting”is selected in a field, indicated by “a”, describing a list of devicecategories in the registration window of FIG. 6 or whether “camera” isselected in this field. In the case of the manual registration, theprocess proceeds to step S13. In the case of the automatic registration,the process proceeds to step S19.

In step S13, the recorder 3 determines whether the camera to beregistered is a known camera. For example, whether the target camera isknown can be determined on the basis of whether “Generic Camera” isselected in a field, indicated by “b”, describing a list of model namesin the registration window of FIG. 6. When a model name is selected fromthe list (step S14), the recorder 3 recognizes that the known camera isto be registered. When “Generic Camera” is selected in the list (stepS16), the recorder 3 recognizes that an unknown camera is to beregistered.

In step S15, the recorder 3 establishes connection with the registrationtarget camera through the network 1 on the basis of setting in an IPaddress input field, indicated by “a”, in an exemplary registrationwindow shown in FIG. 7. When the connection between the recorder 3 andthe registration target camera is established, the process proceeds tostep S23. In step S23, the model name of the camera is stored, so thatthe camera is registered. A proxy server set in a proxy server field,indicated by “b” in FIG. 7, may be used as necessary.

In step S17, the recorder 3 establishes connection with the unknownregistration target camera through the network 1 on the basis of, forexample, setting in the IP address input field, indicated by “a” in FIG.7, in the exemplary registration window in the same way as step S15.

In step S18, the recorder 3 acquires specification information,including the model name and icon data, from the unknown camera using anetwork camera interface command protocol. The acquired specificationinformation, including the model name and the icon data, is stored inthe storage unit 33 and the model name is registered in the drop-downlist in the model name list field (step S22).

For example, when “automatic setting” is selected in the category listfield indicated by “a” in FIG. 6, the recorder 3 establishes connectionwith the unknown registration target camera via the network 1 in stepS19 on the basis of setting in the IP address input field indicated by“a” in the registration window of FIG. 7 in the same way as step S15.

In step S20, the recorder 3 acquires specification information,including the model name and icon data, from the unknown camera usingthe network camera interface command protocol.

In step S21, the recorder 3 determines whether the camera model nameacquired in step S20 has been registered in the storage unit 33. Whenthe camera model name has been registered, the process proceeds to stepS23. When the model name is not registered, the process proceeds to stepS22.

In step S22, the recorder 3 stores the acquired specificationinformation, including the model name and the icon data, in the storageunit 33 and registers the model name and the icon in the drop-down listin the model name list field.

In step S23, the recorder 3 registers the camera with the known modelname or the camera with the model name acquired from the specificationinformation. The process then terminates.

As described above, the specification information acquired using thenetwork camera interface command protocol is linked to the model name ofthe camera. If specification information about a camera has beenacquired once, therefore, the camera is known. In other words, it isunnecessary to acquire information using the network camera interfacethe next time. When the camera model name is acquired, informationunique to the model of the camera constructed in the recorder can beused. When the camera is known, the model name is also displayed in themodel name list upon camera registration. Consequently, when the modelname is selected from the list, the camera can be registered.Advantageously, a user operation can be simplified.

A process for setting the functions of the surveillance camera 2 on theside of the recorder 3 will now be described with reference to windowexamples. The setting process is performed on the surveillance camera 2registered in the recorder 3 on the basis of, for example, the networkcamera interface.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for settingcamera functions. In step S31, the recorder 3 displays a camera settingwindow shown in, for example, FIG. 9. In this example, the name, devicetype, model name, and icon of a registered camera are shown in a tab,indicated by “a”, for general setting. In this GUI, a button for“Re-acquire Generic Camera Information” is disposed. Accordingly, wheninformation is updated on the camera side because the firmware of thecamera is updated, the specification information of the camera can beautomatically re-acquired and updated. In addition, since thespecification information can be updated manually instead ofautomatically, it is possible to address a problem in that automaticupdate affects descriptions about the setting of the registered camera.

In step S32, the recorder 3 determines whether a target camera to be sethas been registered by the registration process. When the camera isknown, the setting process terminates because the setting process hasalready been performed. When the camera has been registered by theregistration process, the process proceeds to step S33.

In step S33, the recorder 3 displays a camera setting window shown in,for example, FIG. 10. When a button to select functions in a functionselection tab, indicated by “a” in FIG. 10, in the camera setting windowis selected, the recorder 3 displays a function selection window shownin, for example, FIG. 11. This function selection window is designedsuch that a function assigned the highest priority is to be selected inthe top “item” field. More specifically, items “JPEG Image Size”, “VideoCodec”, and “MPEG4 Image Size” are arranged in order of priority fromthe top. The arrangement is not limited to this case. A functionassigned the highest priority may be to be selected in any “item” field.

In step S34, the recorder 3 detects a choice in the first function itemfield indicated by “a” in FIG. 11. In the function selection window ofFIG. 11, the first item is “JPEG Image Size”.

In step S35, the recorder 3 displays a list of parameters in a firstparameter field on the basis of the above-described restrictioninformation. The recorder 3 detects a choice in the first parameterfield. In the function selection window of FIG. 11, “1280×960” isselected.

In step S36, the recorder 3 detects a choice in the second function itemfield. In the function selection window of FIG. 11, the second item is“Video Codec”.

In step S37, the recorder 3 displays a list of parameters in a secondparameter field on the basis of the restriction information about thecamera. In this case, the recorder 3 displays a drop-down list in thesecond parameter field such that the characters of parameters restrictedby the first function parameter are displayed in gray indicating“unselectable” mode. The recorder 3 detects a choice in the secondparameter field. In an example of the function selection window shown inFIG. 12, “jpeg-mpeg4” is selected.

In step S38, the recorder 3 detects a choice in the third item field. Inthe function selection window in FIG. 12, the third item is “MPEG4 ImageSize”.

In step S39, the recorder 3 displays a list of parameters in a thirdparameter field on the basis of the camera restriction information. Therecorder 3 displays a drop-down list in the third parameter field suchthat the characters of parameters restricted by the first and secondfunction parameters are displayed in gray indicating the “unselectable”mode. The recorder 3 detects a choice in the third parameter field,indicated by “a” in FIG. 12, relating to the third function. In thefunction selection window shown in FIG. 12, only one choice describing“640×480, 384×288, 320×240” is selectable.

In step S40, the recorder 3 changes the selection order of the functionsin accordance with a change in any function item field and/or anyparameter field, the change being performed by the user. For instance,in an example of the function selection window shown in FIG. 13, theparameter in the parameter field, indicated by “a”, relating to “JPEGImage Size” is changed to “640×480”, so that “640×480” is changed to beselectable in the drop-down list in the parameter field, indicated by“b”, relating to “MPEG4 Image Size”. In an example of the functionselection window shown in FIG. 14, the function item in the first itemfield, indicated by “a”, is changed to “MPEG4 Image Size” and theparameter in the corresponding parameter field is changed to “640×480,384×288, 320×240”, so that “1280×960” is changed to be selectable in thelist in the third parameter field, indicated by “b”, relating to “JPEGImage Size”. The restriction information describing all of the settablecombinations of, for example, resolutions and codecs is referred to asdescribed above, so that remaining choices can be easily narrowed on thebasis of parameters and the selection order of items. Thus, the nextselectable item or value can be easily changed.

In step S41, the recorder 3 detects the determination of the functionselection in accordance with, for example, the selection of the “Apply”button shown in, for example, FIG. 14. The process for setting thecamera functions then terminates.

Consequently, the recorder 3 can display a setting management window asshown in, for example, FIG. 15. In this example of the settingmanagement window, the icon, name, type (model name), category, IPaddress, and other items of a camera registered using the network camerainterface are displayed in an area indicated by “a” in FIG. 15.Specifically, the icon and model name of the camera are correctly read.In an image tab in an area, indicated by “b”, set values in the rangesof the respective parameters set in the function selection window aredisplayed. A set value can be changed in each set parameter range.

As described above, when the surveillance camera 2 is newly registeredin the recorder 3, the restriction information describing all of thesettable combinations of functions, for example, resolutions and codecsis acquired. Thus, the functions supported by the camera are displayedin the setting window displayed in the recorder 3 so that the user canselect the functions. In addition, settable parameters are selectablydisplayed in each drop-down list, so that a user operation can besimplified. Specifically, the recorder 3 sequentially narrows remainingchoices in accordance with the selected combination of functions. Thus,the user can easily obtain the combinations of functions suitable foruser's intended use by selecting functions which the user wants to usein order of priority.

In this embodiment, the recorder 3 monitoring the surveillance cameras 2is used. A computer in which application software for monitoring thesurveillance cameras 2 is installed may be used.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary structure of asurveillance camera system according to another embodiment of thepresent invention. The same components as those in the surveillancecamera system shown in FIG. 1 are designated by the same referencenumerals and description of these components is omitted. Thesurveillance camera system includes a plurality of surveillance cameras2 and a plurality of computers 4 a and 4 b. The surveillance cameras 2are connected directly or through a video network station 2 a to anetwork 1. On the computer 4 a as a controller, application software forremote-controlling similar operations as those of the above-describedrecorder through the network 1 is installed. On the computer 4 b as astandard, application software for monitoring, recording, and playingvideo images and sounds captured by the surveillance cameras 2 throughthe network 1 is installed.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of eachcomputer. A central processing unit (CPU) 301 implements variousprocesses in accordance with a program recorded on a read only memory(ROM) 302 or a program loaded from a storage unit 308 into a randomaccess memory (RAM) 303. The RAM 303 stores data necessary for theimplementation of various processes by the CPU 301 as appropriate.

The CPU 301, the ROM 302, and the RAM 303 are connected to the bus 304.The bus 304 is also connected to an input/output interface 305.

The input/output interface 305 is connected to an input unit 306, anoutput unit 307, the storage unit 308, and a communication unit 309. Inaddition, the input/output interface 305 is connected to a drive 310 asnecessary. On the drive 310, a removable recording medium, such as amagnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or asemiconductor memory is mounted as appropriate. A computer program readfrom the medium is installed onto the storage unit 308 as necessary.

The input unit 306 includes input devices, such as a touch panel alsofunctioning as a display unit which serves as the output unit 307, akeyboard, a remote control including a light sensitive unit, and amouse.

The output unit 307 includes a single display unit, such as a display, asingle sound output unit, such as a speaker or a headphone outputterminal, or the combination of the display unit and the sound outputunit.

The storage unit 308 includes, for example, a hard disk. Thecommunication unit 309 includes, for instance, a modem, a terminaladapter, or a radio communication device to control communication withanother information processing apparatus.

When the above-described computer is used to construct, for example, therecorder 3, functions of the recorder 3 can be realized by thecombinations of the components and programs executed by the CPU 301. Forexample, the communication unit 309 can acquire restriction informationfrom each surveillance camera 2 connected to the network 1. In addition,according to a program executed by the CPU 301, a function selection GUIwindow in which after a parameter for one imaging function is selected,selectable parameters for other imaging functions are restricted inaccordance with the selected parameter on the basis of the restrictioninformation is output so that the imaging functions to be used can beselected. Furthermore, the communication unit 309 can also acquire imageinformation about a captured image and store the acquired imageinformation in the storage unit 308.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described. Theinvention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and variousmodifications based on the technical idea of the invention can be made.For example, the above-described network camera interface is establishedon the condition that a recorder is compatible with a camera. Uponestablishing the connection between the recorder and the camera via anetwork, the recorder can acquire information from the camera. If thecamera is not compatible with the recorder, the above-described settingmethod can be used. First, specification information (e.g., restrictioninformation), equivalent to the network camera interface, for the camerathat is incompatible with the recorder is previously generated and thespecification information is loaded into the recorder through a medium,such as a universal serial bus (USB) memory or a CD-R. When the camerais connected to the recorder, the recorder acquires informationindicative of the model name of the camera and then determines whetherinformation about the camera is included in camera-specific informationprovided by the network camera interface. Consequently, the camera canbe used as the information about the camera has been obtained using thenetwork camera interface. In this case, information about restriction onfunctions of the camera is provided in the same case as the networkcamera interface. Thus, the user can be allowed to perform a simpleoperation for setting an incompatible camera in the same way as settinga compatible camera. In addition to loading the specificationinformation equivalent to the network camera interface in the recorderthrough a medium, the specification information may be downloaded from adownload site over the network into the recorder.

The present application contains subject matter related to thatdisclosed in Japanese Priority Patent Application JP filed in the JapanPatent Office on Apr. 28, 2008, the entire content of which is herebyincorporated by reference.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occurdepending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they arewithin the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. An information processing apparatus comprising:circuitry including: an acquisition circuitry portion configured toacquire restriction information about imaging functions specific to animaging device, from the imaging device connected to a network; asetting control circuitry portion configured to display a setting windowin which after a parameter for one imaging function is selected,selectable parameters for other imaging functions are restricted inaccordance with the selected parameter based on the restrictioninformation so that one or more parameters of the imaging functions tobe used are set; and an information processing circuitry portionconfigured to acquire image information about an image captured usingthe one or more parameters of the imaging functions via the network,wherein the restriction information in the imaging device is updatable,wherein the information processing apparatus is configured to beoperative in a system including plural imaging devices, including saidimaging device, wherein the information processing apparatus and theimaging device are directly connected to the network.
 2. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the restriction information describes allof the combinations of settable parameters for the imaging functions. 3.The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the imaging functions are atleast two of a moving-image codec, a still-image codec, a moving-imageresolution, and a still-image resolution.
 4. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the setting control circuitry portion displays theparameters for each imaging function as a list.
 5. The apparatusaccording to claim 4, wherein the setting control circuitry portiondisplays the characters of a selectable parameter in the list such thatthe color of the characters is different from that of the characters ofan unselectable parameter.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the circuitry further includes: a recording circuitry portionconfigured to record the image information.
 7. A method for informationprocessing, the method comprising: acquiring, using an informationprocessing apparatus, restriction information about imaging functionsspecific to an imaging device, from the imaging device connected to anetwork; displaying, using the information processing apparatus, asetting window in which after a parameter for one imaging function isselected, selectable parameters for other imaging functions arerestricted in accordance with the selected parameter based on therestriction information so that one or more parameters of the imagingfunctions to be used are set; and acquiring, using the informationprocessing apparatus, image information about an image captured usingthe one or more parameters of the imaging functions via the network,wherein the restriction information in the imaging device is updatable,wherein the information processing apparatus is configured to beoperative in a system including plural imaging devices, including saidimaging device, and wherein the information processing apparatus and theimaging device are directly connected to the network.
 8. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the restriction information indicatesrelationship between plural imaging functions.
 9. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the acquisition circuitry portion isconfigured to acquire the restriction information from each of theplural imaging devices.
 10. A system comprising: a plurality of imagingdevices; acquisition circuitry configured to acquire restrictioninformation about imaging functions specific to at least one imagingdevice of said plurality, from said at least one imaging device; settingcontrol circuitry configured to display a setting window in which aftera parameter for one imaging function is selected, selectable parametersfor other imaging functions are restricted in accordance with theselected parameter based on the restriction information so that one ormore parameters of the imaging functions to be used are set; andinformation processing circuitry configured to acquire image informationabout a captured image using the one or more parameters of the imagingfunctions, wherein the restriction information in the at least oneimaging device is updatable, and wherein said at least one imagingdevice and one or more of the acquisition circuitry, the setting controlcircuitry, and the information processing circuitry are directlyconnected to a network.
 11. The system according to claim 10, whereinthe restriction information describes all of the combinations ofsettable parameters for the imaging functions.
 12. The system accordingto claim 11, wherein the imaging functions are at least two of amoving-image codec, a still-image codec, a moving-image resolution, anda still-image resolution.
 13. The system according to claim 10, whereinthe setting control circuitry displays the parameters for each imagingfunction as a list.
 14. The system according to claim 13, wherein thesetting control circuitry displays the characters of a selectableparameter in the list such that the color of the characters is differentfrom that of the characters of an unselectable parameter.
 15. The systemaccording to claim 10, further comprising: recording circuitryconfigured to record the image information.
 16. The apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein each of the imaging devices is a camera, and whereinthe circuitry further includes: a recording circuitry portion configuredto record restriction information for each kind of camera of theplurality of cameras.
 17. The apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe system is a surveillance system.
 18. The system according to claim10, wherein each of the imaging devices is a camera, and wherein thesystem further comprises: recording circuitry configured to recordrestriction information for each kind of camera of the plurality ofcameras.
 19. The system according to claim 10, wherein the system is asurveillance system.
 20. An information processing apparatus comprising:acquiring means for acquiring restriction information about imagingfunctions specific to an imaging device, from the imaging deviceconnected to a network; setting control means for displaying a settingwindow in which after a parameter for one imaging function is selected,selectable parameters for other imaging functions are restricted inaccordance with the selected parameter based on the restrictioninformation so that one or more parameters of the imaging functions tobe used are set; and information processing means for acquiring imageinformation about an image captured using the one or more parameters ofthe imaging functions via the network, wherein the restrictioninformation in the imaging device is updatable, and wherein theinformation processing apparatus is configured to be operative in asystem including plural imaging devices, including said imaging device,and wherein the information processing apparatus and the imaging deviceare connected directly to the network.
 21. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus and the imagingdevice are directly connected to the network.